As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:11-13

Paul quotes from Joel 2:32 linking the Old and New Testaments with one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible.

Encouraging because of the very first word – Anyone and later Everyone. In God’s eyes, we are all in need of the Savior, both Jews and Gentiles (the rest of us). The Gospel is available to anyone and everyone, so that Jesus’ work on the cross and through His resurrection, all people have access to the salvation promised by God.

Access is for all, but not all access the Gospel. Paul includes Joel’s qualifying comment next – “who calls on the name of the Lord.” What does it meant to call on Jesus? I’ve heard plenty of people call on Jesus by taking His name in vain, but the preceding verses tell us that to call upon the Lord is more than words, it is a matter of the heart.

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are save

Romans 10:10

Jesus died for our sins so that we can put our faith and trust in Him and Him alone. Later, John would write these words:

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

1 John 5:13